To ask where to get DS (7) a backpack for school?

[brexitschmexit]

Need to get DS a backpack for junior school (he's previously had a book bag at his infant school). Where is good for kids backpacks?! Something to hold all his bits and bobs and that will be fairly durable but cool enough for him to like!

DD’s is from Clarks

TK Maxx is a great suggestion. Bear in mind you will be chucking the bag in the washing machine at least once a month so look for one that looks like it would survive that.

Quiksilver backpacks have proven really good quality in our house and lasted and washed really well.

Also think about personalising it somehow e.g. adding a distinctive keyring or similar dangling from the front zip, as even if you go to Timbuktu to buy one I can guarantee another student in the same class (or at least in the school) will have the same one!

2 or 3 compartments is perfect as it keeps stuff separate without getting confusing. A space to stash a water bottle on the outside is also a good idea as reduces the possibility of it spilling over homework etc. kept inside the bag.

I meant to add, Quiksilver backpacks are reasonably priced at Argos.

I’ve just bought all three of mine Superdry ones from the Superdry EBay shop. There’s a code for further 20% off atm as well.

Pose20 is the code you need.

Ask HIM?!

Bet he knows exactly the bag he’d like.

Got DSs in Smyths last year and today got one in Disney store for next year.

It depends! Going into Y3, DD and about 60% of her year had Smiggle, about 20% had Tinc and the rest mainly had hype & super dry (mainly those with older siblings) or unbranded.
We've just got a new one as DD's Smiggle one was still going strong but she's decided it's a bit twee so wanted to spend her pocket money on a new one. She only looked at those with side pockets (water bottle & pencil case), front pocket (money on occasion, gum shield, gloves) & inner section (piano music, spelling book). She's also decided to have two pencil cases this year, one for work and one for colouring. Her (state) school do seem to require an awful lot of different pens for different activities though including four different colour highlighters which take up a lot of room.

I should have said, DD's came from Amazon in the end. Ticked the above boxes and didn't have a hint of pink or flowers/pineapples/unicorns whilst not being a hiking rucksack or a "boys" design.

Hanoi got a back pack there for £2

Buy one with a chest clip if you can .So much easier for him to carry . I bought my son a samsonite Star Wars one in a sale . It’s been very hard wearing . Buy black or navy as they look better after some wear .

Wow so many replies thank you!

Fiesta he definitely wouldn't have a clue if I asked him! But if I can take him to eg Sports Direct or show him some on the Gap website he will know which he likes. I just wanted to know where to look really! Will take a look at all your suggestions. Some great tips re needing to put it in the wash, chest clip, pocket for water bottle etc.

Smiggle seems so expensive and I wasn't sure if the quality matched the price tag....

Thanks so much to all.

Fiesta what I mean is, he has never had a backpack (well, except the hungry caterpillar one at nursery!) so he has no concept of Smiggle or other types. But he knows what he likes in terms of colours and designs so if I can guide him towards a selection he will pick the one he likes.

We’ve had smiggle for DS at that age... lasted a year so far and still going, plus they are huge and can fit loads of stuff in. They do have discounts sometimes so worth waiting for that if you can as they are a bit expensive!

Smiggle is expensive, for sure. I found the quality good, though. My son got his bag from Smiggle when he started juniors (it was discounted; I tend to leave everything till last minute and it’s seems Smiggle have a sale on just before return to school) and it’s lasted 2 year so so far. He’s going into yr 5 in sept with the same bag and it’s s still in great condition. My younger son is starting year 3 in September and I’ll be going back to Smiggle. MOst kids in their school have Smiggle.

I got 6 yo DS this one www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01N40SM8O?tag=mumsnetforum-21
He's spiderman mad. The zip is really good quality and strong and the bag is well made.

There seems to be 20% off Lands End purchases until 16 August btw - code B2SCHL.

I would Asda too. A few different styles.

I've never put a rucksack in the wash! Do they get that dirty?
As for a chest strap, I guess if you're walking a mile or so to school and back then that would be useful but for us that's never been a consideration.
As tastes change regularly, I would look for something that will last a year and not break the bank.

Great thread!)

My daughter used her birthday money to buy a Smiggle one....no way was I paying that much for a bag! It is still going strong since November.

Smiggle is obscenely expensive unless your child is really good at looking after their things and keeping them clean and tidy

Muchtoomuchtodo My own backpacks get dirty - I use them to transport (not all at the same time):

• water bottle (occasional leak where I've not closed it properly)
• snacks, fruit, sandwiches, etc.
• books from school and libraries
• students' work (e.g. exercise books)
• gym kit
• swimming kit
• towel
• toiletries for gym / swimming / work (again - occasional risk of spilling as I'm very clumsy and always rushing)
• spare / alternative shoes
• supermarket shopping
• greengrocer shopping
• DS' football to take to the park

Also I set it down on the floor / seats of buses and trains as well as the floor at school (always filthy) and of parks, gym, etc.

I've just always bunged my backpack in the wash every couple of weeks, or after it's been to the beach or I've seen that it's dirty.